Cosmetology at Somerset Community College

Somerset, KY · Public · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a smaller institution with 3,899 students in Somerset, KY.

Program Analysis

At $11,565 per year, Cosmetology graduates from Somerset Community College earn below the $17,289 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 35.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Cosmetology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Cosmetology's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 27% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $10,772 represents roughly 11 months of the $11,565 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #602 of 1,095 Cosmetology programs, Somerset Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $11,565 to $15,653 over five years — a 35% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

Cosmetology offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
37
Low End
42
Score
42
High End
Earnings $11,565/yr (-33% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$166K
7.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
35.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
8 of 8
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,656
Out-of-state: $6,192
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,772
11.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$15,653
35% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Cosmetology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Personal service managers, all other $61,340 +6.5% 48%
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance $50,280 +8.1% 66%
First-line supervisors of personal service workers $47,080 +6.7% 59%
Personal service managers, all other
$61,340
+6.5% growth 48% AI-proof
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
$50,280
+8.1% growth 66% AI-proof
First-line supervisors of personal service workers
$47,080
+6.7% growth 59% AI-proof

View all 8 career paths with full salary data →

Cosmetology Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for Cosmetology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Somerset Community College and 1094 other schools.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Somerset Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Cosmetology at Somerset Community College?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Cosmetology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Cosmetology earnings lower at Somerset Community College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Somerset Community College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Can I learn Cosmetology through an apprenticeship instead of Somerset Community College?
Yes — 5 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Cosmetology career paths, including Barber. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Somerset Community College.
What's the job market like for Cosmetology from Somerset Community College?
Job availability for Cosmetology is strong — 145,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Somerset Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in KY may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →